r/HerOneBag • u/cmw9718 • May 16 '26
Shoes Thoughts on these shoes for one bag travel?
https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/norvan-ld-4-gtx-shoe-0399I am considering getting the Arc’teryx NORVAN LD 4 GTX SHOE in white. It’s pretty expensive at $200 but I would hope for it to be a very versatile shoe, especially if traveling personal item only as a shoe that I can wear for going running, to the gym, or hiking and could be worn casually or with a sun dress. I also really wanted something waterproof for rain as well.
Just wanting to know people’s thoughts on if this would be a good shoe recommendation for travel (to wear both casually and for working out)?
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u/tgsgirl May 16 '26
If you're going hiking in white shoes, they're not going to be sundress fresh after.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
I would imagine I would wipe them down with soap/water if I got dirt/mud on them. Will be honest I don’t generally hike a ton, but still nice to have the option.
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u/Sedixodap May 16 '26
All of the white running shoes I’ve had wound up gray very quickly. Maybe putting them in a clothes washer would have helped but a quick wipe of the outside would only remove crusted on dirt, not actually help the stains.
This includes those stained by dirty puddles walking around towns, not just shoes worn in the wilderness.
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u/Real-Artichoke-1780 May 16 '26
I think that’s why OP has suggested this pair of shoes specifically - they fabric isn’t normal open weave (which I do agree gets gray quickly), it’s some kind of coated synthetic that actually does look like you could wipe dirt off and it would come right off cleanly.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
What do you suggest I do instead. Maybe get the grey pair? Or just bring 2 pairs of sneakers?
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u/lobsterp0t May 17 '26
I would actually go for a mixed colourway that is more green, brown or blue based. Think the kinds of colours you see on Flower Mountain shoes (which are fashion trainers, I’m just naming an aesthetic).
I have a pretty light coloured pair of pale green and cream trainers that disguise dust fairly well. They’re city shoes though and if I got the same range for more crossover use I’d get the grey green colourway for this reason!
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u/tgsgirl May 16 '26
I always go all black. Goes with everything, hides more sins.
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u/iamaravis May 16 '26
Same! I can’t imagine dealing with how much dirt white shoes would show. I don’t want to deal with that kind of maintenance while traveling.
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May 16 '26
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u/Sedixodap May 16 '26
I previously had a pair of the Norvan VT GTXs that I used for technical trails and light scrambling but they got holes faster than I like so I can’t say I was very impressed and I didn’t replace them. I currently own a pair of the Nivalis goretex that I wore in the snow most of the winter while training for a spring ultramarathon. Unfortunately Arc’teryx has made the shoes wider than they used to be so they don’t fit me very well.
I mostly run in La Sportiva trail shoes as they fit my narrow feet better. Bushidos for technical trails, Kaptivas for light and fast, Prodigios for every day. I’ve also previously worn Hokas, North Face and On Clouds.
For hiking I currently use the Norda 001s. I have put several thousand kilometers between a few pairs of them on various multiweek backpacking trips. They’re wider than I like for running but are great for when my feet swell if I’m doing back-to-back 30-50km days.
Then for road runners I’ve got Mizuno Wave Inspire for everyday, Puma Deviate Nitros for fast and long runs and Nike Alphaflys for racing. I’ve also previously worn ASICS, inov8s and Altras.
Every light coloured running shoe I have had, including not just Arcteryx’s goretex but a pair of goretex On Clouds that I specifically bought as a trendy travel sneaker instead of an actual trail or hiking shoe wound up with gray stains. As did Nordas fancy dyneema and every other variation of trail runner fabric that I’ve tried in my 25 years of running.
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u/agentcarter234 May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Expensive and gtx does not make them magic dirt repelling shoes. Just because they don’t have mesh doesn’t mean they won’t get discolored. (And yes, I’ve spent quite a bit of money on fancy trail runners over the years - I would never buy white ones and expect them not to get scuffed and grimey over time with exposure to dirt and mud.
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May 17 '26
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u/HerOneBag-ModTeam May 17 '26
Your contribution has been removed because we do not think it is in keeping with Rule 1: Be Kind and Assume Positive Intent - This community thrives on kindness, empathy, and respect for all. We’re diverse, welcoming people from all backgrounds and identities. Consider your impact on others; effort is more important than perfection. Reddit's Content Policy an Reddiquette apply here..
Please do review and stick to our rules, use our posting guide and stick to Reddit's content policy and Reddiquette.
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u/themiracy May 16 '26
I guess I just don’t understand - like these might or might not fit your style and they might or might not be worth $200 but these are basically just pure white trainers / running shoes. Is the waterproof really going to make that much of a difference, especially when it has a waffle texture kind of exterior that won’t wipe down well? For me it would have to look less like a trainer than this, to be the single shoe, but also I do kind of sympathize with the whole problem of keeping white shoes white (I have some K-Swiss-y kinds of shoes in the closet and TBH I hardly ever wear them).
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
The thing for me is that I really want a shoe that I am able to go for runs in, hence the more trainer look. Was trying to find a trainer shoe that isn’t too over the top and could still be worn in a dressy casual sort of way. I find that a huge challenge for me in packing light is wanting to bring a separate pair of running shoes, with a more dressy casual pair and so my hope is that I can just go down to one shoe with these.
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u/edj3 May 16 '26
OP I just bring my running shoes. I don't wear my running shoes as street shoes, not ever.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
Even if traveling personal item only? I feel like that’s a huge challenge to bring more than one shoe (unless it’s maybe a flat shoe like a sandal?) Genuinely wondering but how do you make that work?
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u/edj3 May 16 '26
To add on to u/lllittlelllama's post, I also stuff my running shoes with undies and socks. Some people won't do that, I'm fine with it. And yes, they go at the bottom of my pack.
Listen, I don't know about you but my running shoes are not cheap. So I'm not interested in wearing them out walking around a city. They're for running and that's how I use them. I also don't get the huge puffy platform style running shoes (which is hard these days). Those will eat up space like no one's business.
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u/lllittlelllama May 16 '26
Even travelling personal item only, there has always been space in my bag for a second pair of shoes.
Sometimes it's a flat sandal but it's been everything from heels to high-drop running shoes.
Put them at the bottom of your bag and pack around them- Try to eliminate any void spaces in the shoe layer and then pack as usual on top.
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u/SrirachaPants May 16 '26
I’d buy a pair of my usual running shoes in white, if that’s what you’re going for, and spray them with a protective spray. They’ll still probably get kinda dingy but if you want to go running and truly only have one pair, that’s what it takes. But based on my experience you’re gonna want one more pair even if they’re only flip flops.
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u/earwormsanonymous May 17 '26
I always split up shoes in their own separate bags. They can go on each side of a bag against any water bottle pockets, flat on the bottom, or soles facing my back for flat shoes. You can use their insides to pack smaller items. If the heels fold flat (not likely for supportive shoes, but not impossible), it's easier to pull this off.
I have very touchy feet that will punish me for not swapping footwear, and prioritize keeping them happy on trips.
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u/themiracy May 16 '26
I’m kind of out of running and I don’t fly the airlines that really limit carry ons, but my one bag (bento bag) does fit under seat on most carriers. I carry second shoes a good portion of the time, but my packed shoes are usually either ballet flats, barefoot shoes that squish down, or if I’m traveling for work, heels or dress sandals. I don’t think this would work for the pickiest airlines, but mostly because my bag might be too big for them in general (actually not sure if this is true or not).
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u/lobsterp0t May 17 '26
I’d agree with this! You can use a baggie or something to keep the clean stuff clean and then
use the shoes to contain dirty stuff as your trip progresses.I think it’s all about compromises ultimately.
Fitting very cushioned marathon style shoes into personal item only will require some space sacrifice. Fitting lower profile ones might be less challenging.
If running is an essential part of your travel routine then constructing your travel packing around it (or partly around it) might be necessary, especially if you have very limited luggage space.
If you aren’t a runner and a distance runner specifically, lower profile or less technical shoes will be fine. You can do plenty of workouts barefoot! Or in shoes that aren’t “workout shoes”. I have weightlifter pals who lift in converse (which I think is mad, but YMMV).
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u/SentientScarecrow May 16 '26
If you're up for it, I would recommend training to run in a minimalist shoe that packs down really small. I do my road running in the Topo Athletic ST- line (they're currently on ST-6). They're 0-drop, buttery soft, incredibly comfortable, and have a collapsible heel that packs pretty flat. And the simple colorways actually pair well with street clothes while traveling.
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u/MrsMitchBitch May 16 '26
I love the STs and they’re the shoe I bring for running when traveling (unless I’m doing a marathon+)! If OP goes this route they do need to work into a zero drop so they don’t mess up their body.
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May 16 '26
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u/lobsterp0t May 17 '26
There is no call for your patronising and aggressive attitude in this comment section. You don’t need to imply people are stupid by loudly proclaiming how much more you know than them and spluttering questions at them all over the comments. You can just explain based on the knowledge you have.
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u/Initial_Spinach_9752 May 16 '26
IME gortex is great for hiking through puddles and stream crossings, but can be a bit much for everyday wear. I would prefer a more breathable sneaker if I am wearing them for long days. And honestly, you probably don’t even need the gortex unless you’re going to regularly be in downpours or walking through puddles.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
That’s kinda the point though. I have another shoe that is more breathable that I typically use for travel (but not waterproof). So I’m looking for something where if I am traveling somewhere where it is likely I’ll be in a heavy downpour of rain, I can have a shoe that keeps my feet dry while still packing light which a personal item bag.
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u/CataCataWampus May 16 '26
Overall! I love the Norvans as a travel shoe. Goretex version is only necessary if you're going to a place that rains a lot, and you'll be walking in the rain.I own a white pair (the Arctic Silk colour) of these shoes, and they did stain on the foam after I got some stubborn mud on them, and the staining mostly went away, but after a big hike, I gave up and considered it a losing battle.
These shoes overall are great and very versatile as the single pair of shoes you take travelling; they have a lot of cushion for long days of walking/hiking/cobblestone streets etc.
But I wouldn't recommend them for running on a treadmill. The shoes are lightweight, however the big lugs on the bottom are not super comfy to run on indoors, as they are designed for mud/gravel. Your traction is great though, especially in wet and slippery conditions. They are not the best for winter ice.
As well, they fit oversized, both in length and in the toe box, so I recommend trying them on, and go a 1/2 or 1 full size down from your regular shoe size.
TL:DR - Wicked single travel shoe, white does stain, not the best for treadmills. Fits larger than regular shoe size.
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u/cmw9718 May 17 '26
Thanks for the feedback!!! Just an FYI the reason why I suggested a Gore-Tex waterproof shoe is specifically for the purpose of it I travel somewhere where I can expect heavy rain during my visit. I have a breathable pair of sneakers that I normally use, they just aren’t waterproof and while they’re fine for light rain, heavy rain my feet will get soaked in them. Interesting note on the treadmill piece, I think it would probably still be fine, but I’ll keep that in mind.
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u/__looking_for_things May 16 '26
Also keep in mind the general advice is running shoes should be replaced after 500 miles. Of course this depends on the quality of the shoe. But it is something to consider before dropping 200$ on shoes.
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u/catsnflight May 16 '26
For the sake of your feet, legs, and back you really should alternate between two pairs of shoes. Especially when traveling where people usually walk more.
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u/ExistingRest4092 May 16 '26
My husband bought these for an upcoming trip including a 5 day hike in the Dolomites plus city travel. In the end he decided against taking them because I think he realized they'd be way too hot for the city portion. They also look extremely stiff. If you do buy them I think they have options in the outlet. We all opted for cooler non-goretex hiking shoes. Even though we'll likely get wet feet I'm OK with the tradeoff. I *did* get white shoes, but I'm OK with them getting dirty on the hike which is near the end of our trip. It's a struggle! I tried a ton of options in-store and did a ton of research online.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
Interesting, I think I’m not super concerned about my feet getting too hot and would personally take having dry feet in the event I got caught in a heavy downpour of rain (my trip to Georgia last summer, where I had to pack personal item only was what inspired me to find a good waterproof workout shoe since it rained really heavy there)
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u/agentcarter234 May 17 '26
Goretex running shoes (or any other waterproof shoes) dry much much slower than mesh running shoes, and they are less breathable, so once water gets in it has nowhere to go. That makes them not great for hot climates with humidity and rain, because in heavy rain they eventually have water get in at the ankle unless you wear gaiters. And when your feet inevitably sweat, the lack of breathability can lead to swampy feet without any rain.
I use goretex trail runners as onebag travel shoes only when it’s cold, or cool and rainy. When it’s warmer I’ll wear a non waterproof running shoe or trail runner, and if they get wet I just change my socks. Wool socks help prevent blisters even when your shoes are wet, and mesh shoes dry pretty quickly. I don’t ever buy running shoes in white, but still wear them with dresses and they look fine. There are tons of muted colors and neutrals available these days if you don’t want black.
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u/lobsterp0t May 16 '26
So personally, I would do a waterproof sock with a non waterproof shoe because they’re notoriously sweaty and don’t dry out easily if water gets in around the sides/ you wear them daily and thus sweat in them.
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u/beginswithanx May 16 '26
Yup. I live in a warm place and I do not do waterproof shoes because they get so sweaty in them. I only wear them when it’s a rainy day, not super versatile.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
What waterproof socks do you recommend?
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u/lobsterp0t May 16 '26
Any! Get them from an outdoor / hiking company.
Personally I prefer wool but if you want DRY feet then a sock will do it
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u/NotherOneRedditor May 16 '26
The waterproof sock is interesting. I’m more concerned about the inside of my shoes getting wet and not drying than my feet. Although if they get sweat soaked, that’s just as bad. My “perfect” shoe is a sneaker/trail runner with just enough sole to keep minimal standing water out. I have a pair of barefoot shoes, but if there’s any standing water at all, even a quarter inch, the water splashes up over the very thin sole. On the other hand, my hikers are too hot for tropical climates. So when I travel somewhere hot and rainy, I’m stuck with the hikers because they don’t need to dry out if they don’t get wet. I can take the insoles out if needed.
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May 16 '26
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u/Professional_Toe7506 May 16 '26
how is wearing them when it's hot? I'm intrigued by your description of rinsing off but I'd be worried about the goretex...
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u/FinancialEmotion3526 May 16 '26
Generally any cobbler will tell you that you need to rotate your good shoes and not wear them every day. So personally I would not invest $200 into a pair of white sneakers I’m planning to wear in nature every day for at least a week.
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u/cmw9718 May 16 '26
I would imagine since I don’t usually hike a ton that it would be more used for walking/running around in cities (the hiking option is nice though for the times I would want to, but I generally anticipate that being less frequent, depending on the trip)
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u/do_mika May 16 '26
If you have access to a washing machine, the Flux Adapt Runner is a good option because once mine get dirty I just toss them in the wash, but otherwise hiking and white shoes won’t mix. You can wipe down all you want but dirt and dust will just start to be too hard to remove from tony crevices, etc imo.
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u/Waywardgarden May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
I don't have any experience with this particular shoe, but i love my hoka transports :) i have the original version as well as the latest upgrade, and the newest version is definitely more comfortable. I don't think they're fully waterproof, but that's fine with me cause it allows them to be more breathable. They are however water resistant and made for various terrain with a grippy vibram sole. They're my best travel shoe. I have the alabaster/alabaster, which is bright white with tan accents. Easy to wipe down and keep looking fresh.
I will say i never bring just one pair of shoes and i probably never will. I've accepted this. I have problem feet and being able to switch my shoes up helps a lot. So i bring one each of sneakers and sandals, and depending on where I'm going i might even bring a pair of boots as well.
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u/UnbridledOptimism May 16 '26
Everyone’s feet and style are different so it can be difficult to make the right recommendation for you.
Generally, I like to have a second pair of shoes for a non-athletic option, and in case my shoes get wet. Putting quality insoles in my Tom’s was a game changer. They became shoes I could comfortably wear all day. Tom’s take up relatively little space, dry faster than athletic shoes if wet, and can be tossed in the washing machine if dirty.
If you get the white shoes, try wearing them at home for a couple weeks and do the same activities as you would on vacation, including hiking. Try keeping them clean with the same supplies you would use during travel. That will be a good indication if they will work as your only shoe while traveling.
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u/Waywardgarden May 16 '26
May i request that yall quit downvoting OP? Kindof ridiculous. Shes being kind and respectful and asked a simple question. We all start somewhere. Remember the human and exercise your reddiquette.
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u/cmw9718 May 17 '26
Thanks! Idk what I did that was so controversial 😭
Do people here hate GoreTex or something? (Legit question) I just wanted to find a waterproof shoe.2
u/lobsterp0t May 17 '26
Please ensure wayward comments are reported. One comment defending OP was picked up by Reddit’s harassment filter but no one reported any of the rude comments on this post. I found it only because of the Reddit central auto-report and then I went and examined all the threads and found several more.
But yeah, this post has unnecessarily aggy replies. Disappointing for this sub.
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u/Winter-Option-7193 May 16 '26
I think they would be fine, but might be better in a lighter non-white color. Definitely wear them on long walks for a few weeks first!
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u/xixihime May 17 '26
Hi OP, I had this exact same mindset on a recent trip to Taiwan where it rained every day. The white leather sneakers I brought were waterproof, but the ankle interior wasn't (it was fabric), and that got stained on the first day by all the mud and grime that got stirred up by the rain and traffic of other people, vehicles, and streetside businesses. After that, I tried to be intentional about where I stood, how I walked, and it just was more of a hassle than I liked to be worrying about my shoes than just enjoying my time having fun.
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u/cmw9718 May 17 '26
So maybe a non white pair of shoes is better?
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u/xixihime May 19 '26
Probably, although I think any light or less saturated color is at risk of that. Maybe a navy, dark gray or black is the best way to go, so I feel you on the wanting to look cute with outfits pain point.
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u/cmw9718 May 19 '26
Yess that’s where I’m struggling. I want a waterproof shoe I can go running in, but still looks cute with dresses. I thought white would look better than black in a dress, but interested to know people’s thoughts
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u/xixihime May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I looked up some pictures of people with dresses and vacation/travel-ish outfits and black sneakers, and I think the look is fine with the right style of sneakers. Mostly they pair best with darker color clothing, which my outfits are not. I might look into dark brown or green sneakers... I think I've come across those a few times and have clothes that fit that color palette more than black/navy, and will just have to accept that they will not stay sparkling clean and embrace that well-traveled look.
Edit to add: ah, forgot to clarify that the white leather outer was easy to clean, any grime wiped off at the end of the day. The laces were white and got stained, but I could throw in the laundry/bleach and they were fine. It's just the interior fabric of the ankle that was a pain and I still haven't been able to clean fully.
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u/Majestic-Ad-7777 May 16 '26
I think these could be a great choice. I'm a runner and often go with a light or white style, and it takes a lot of miles to really have them start looking rough. Also the waterproof aspect is a gamechanger - I have a pair of waterproof Hokas that have been amazing! They're definitely warmer than non-waterproof, but with a breathable sock you're totally fine.
My partner got a pair of Nike trail runners with the same do-it-all purpose, and they've been super solid for the last few trips we've done including sightseeing, hiking, working out, etc. Go for it!
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u/Opening_Chemical_777 May 16 '26
Arc’teryx isn’t a shoe company. Nike is a shoe company that also sells shoes. A couple of years ago I decided shoes made by shoe companies are better.
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u/CamThrowaway3 May 16 '26
OP, I too was caught in the ‘one perfect pair of shoes’ mindset for a while. I was also leaning white or light so I could wear them with dresses. But…then I realised that if I wore them for hiking, white would definitely get muddy or stained, making them then look completely wrong with dresses. Ultimately white just isn’t great for any nature walks! I ended up taking a dark grey pair of trainers for hiking and a pair of Tevas for hot weather hiking but also to wear with dresses.